Our Denver recreational accident lawyers know how a serious outdoor accident can change a person’s life forever. An injury can quickly lead to skyrocketing medical bills, significant loss of income as well as pain and suffering and other damages. You shouldn’t have to face financial ruin because of someone else’s carelessness. Call (877) 744-5900 immediately if you were injured or a loved one was injured or killed in a recreational accident.

Just because you’re engaging in a recreational activity does not mean you should put your safety at risk. Companies that operate recreational facilities and activities have a responsibility to provide a safe, hazard-free environment for the public. That’s why premises liability laws exist. When they fail to do so, they need to be held responsible for their actions. Allow us to help you explore all your legal options.

The Rocky Mountains make Colorado one of the leading states for outdoor recreational activities. Unfortunately, thousands of people are injured in recreational accidents every year. Some of the most common recreational activities in Colorado include:

Boating Accidents in Colorado

People associate boating with good times. While most boating trips on a river, a reservoir or a lake in Colorado create positive memories for all involved, some people do become victims of serious boating accidents. In 2012, 64 boating accidents were reported. There were 36 injuries and nine fatalities that year, according to the Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

The top three causes of boat accidents:

• Alcohol and/or drug use
• Careless or reckless operation
• Operator inexperience

The top three most common types of boating accidents:

• Collision with a vessel
• Flooding or swamping
• Skier mishap

Colorado Boating Statutes and Regulations

Many accidents could be prevented if boaters were more knowledgeable. That’s why all boaters should be familiar with the state of Colorado’s boating statutes and regulations. The state has created many important rules and regulations for people to follow when they set out on a boating trip. There are also consequences for violating the rules.

Alcohol and/or drug use

Just like driving a car while drunk is illegal, it’s against the law to operate a boat while under the influence. Boaters can be found guilty of a misdemeanor for operating with a blood alcohol content of greater than .08 percent. If you plan to go boating, make sure there is a designated sober operated.

Careless operation of a boat

You must operate your boat in a safe manner. Accidents can happen when a boat is moving at excessive speed or the boater is weaving through vessel traffic. How fast is too fast? The state’s boating statutes and regulations state that following:

“Operating at such a speed and proximity to another vessel so as to require the operator of either vessel to abruptly swerve or to abruptly cut speed in order to avoid collision.”

If you are found to be operating a boat in a reckless manner, you may be found guilty of a misdemeanor.

Operator inexperience

Operator inexperience is linked to more than 60 percent of all accidents. These accidents involve boaters with less than 10 hours of experience with their vessel. Of course, every boater starts out as an inexperienced boater, but you can reduce your risk of accident by enrolling in a boating safety course. You also can operate your boat with someone more experience until you feel confident enough to handle any situation while on the water.

Any number of factors might contribute to a boating or personal watercraft accident. The following are some of other types of accidents or causes of accidents on Colorado waterways:

“How can a Colorado recreational accident attorney help me?”

Many people think that signing a waiver of liability prevents them from seeking full and fair financial recovery in the event of an injury. That’s not always true. Recreational companies and organizers of events have a responsibility to provide a safe environment. This includes providing the right safety equipment, properly maintaining their facilities, providing a reasonably safe environment for participants and other similar measures.

Over the years, Bell & Pollock, P.C. has successfully helped thousands of injured people recover compensation for injuries and financial losses suffered in recreational accidents throughout the state. Our law firm started in the Denver area and now has an additional office in Steamboat Springs to serve injury victims in Colorado’s mountain ski communities. Our attorneys can meet with you anywhere, including your vacation residence or hospital room, to find out how your catastrophic injury has affected you and your family. Please contact our Steamboat Springs and Denver recreational accident lawyers to find out how we can help you.

Offices in Steamboat Springs and Denver serving Colorado skiers, hikers & more

Getting people the money they rightfully deserve after a recreational accident is not always easy. That’s why some law firms avoid taking on difficult cases. We see things differently. We believe the people facing the toughest legal challenges deserve our help even more. We have successfully won countless cases over the years, and we’re proud to put our knowledge and experience to work for you.

Each legal case presents its own unique challenges. Sometimes, insurance companies are uncooperative. Other times, the company that owns the recreational facility or organized your event tries to point the finger at you, claiming you did something to cause your injury.